4-28. Travel Day

I’m on my way to a friend’s wedding in Indianapolis and here are my thoughts from the day. Yes I write them down when I think of them. That’s what being in an airport and always having a pen is good for.

I put $10 of gas into my car outside the airport and only got 2.1 gallons. I was shocked, and just laughed out loud.

There were lots of men caring suits in suit bags in San Francisco. This lead me to think two things. One: Wow, not to stereotype, but there are a lot of gay men in San Francisco and they take care of their clothing better. Two: there are lots of single men going to weddings on a Thursday.

Even on Southwest Airlines where luggage is free there are a ton of people who want to carry on their overstuffed luggage and have two pieces. Oh Unitedstatesians.

There are a lot of attractive people in airports.

I read an entire book on my first flight (leaving me very bored on my second flight). The book was called “Dear Exile” and was amazing. It was just so real and hit home in many ways. Especially the first three letters, page 64 and page 156. It was two friends letters while one was in Peace Corps. I think it is the best quick example of life in Peace Corps, life going on back in the states without you, and then the reality of coming home. READ IT!

I LOVE PEOPLE WATCHING! It makes me smile, and cringe, and happy.

Why am I so good at sitting still when alone but need toys and to fidget when with people? Any psychologists want to take a stab at that one? I think it’s because I am stimulated and fascinated by people watching. But does that mean my real friends and family bore me? Not too sure about this predicament.

Country Inn and Suits are awesome! Huge cheap room from Orbitz with big bed, couch, two big chairs, desk and chair, microwave, freezer and fridge, free cookies all the time, free breakfast, and airport shuttle.

Cannot wait to see my Peace Corps peops tomorrow!

Random Thoughts From the Past Few Weeks in Northern California:

Red lights suck!!!

I think I saw a family washing their entire car from the small windshield washer thing at a gas station.

California is all very new.

I like open road better than traffic and red lights.

Which direction is best for driving the PCH? Northbound? Southbound? The view is different depending on direction.

I am soooo sad part of the PCH was closed and it was hazy. Yet it was still beautiful.

Who knew the PCH had such beautiful rolling green hills, farmland, and wineries.

Santa Cruz seems like a hippie city.

There are a ton of hitch hikers in Northern California.

I really want to learn to kite surf and there were a ton north of Monterey.

The beach Pompomino(or something like that) looked amazing.

The small town of Cabrillo looked cool.

I loved the PCH and Pacifica. I didn’t even stop but loved the look and its distance to the city.

I have driven in a lot of major cities. Cities are expensive.

There are a lot of rude drivers and people here. Um, hello, there is a line.

I love Niki and Jamal

4-27. Goodbye Freinds. Hello Prison.

We slept in a bit and while I made Gallo Pinto poor Jamal had to go prepare for the Firefighter chicken and polenta dinner. While cooking, chatting and eating, the morning got away from us. I did discover that mixing Worcestershire sauce with BBQ sauce gives you a taste close to Lizano. It was then time for big hugs and goodbyes. I didn’t want to leave because it was so good to be with Niki and Jamal, and the Sonoma area is gorgeous. I drove into the city with little problems and after I parked met a random guy who let me use his office bathroom. I really had to pee. While waiting for the Alcatraz ferry I strolled around Fisherman’s Wharf. I then made it to Alcatraz for the tour and some walking around. This place was cool but I think it should still be used. The entire Island is a National Park but would possibly serve better as a prison. It would suck to be there and maybe deter criminals a little more than normal prison. The NPS must make bank though. $26 per person and there must be over a 1,000 visitors on good days. I took the ferry back, hopped in my car, drove to a hotel near the airport, and prepared my bag to fly the next day. I talked to dad and got an update on the family, then relaxed a bit with TV.

4-26. By Ferry I Go.

With the recommendations from Jamal I Headed to Larksburg for the ferry. I had to drive around for a bit to find parking and ended up at the Bed Bath and Beyond. The ferry ride was very nice and I met an interesting girl from Alaska who has accomplished a lot. After the ferry ride and walking a ton I had to take three buses to get to the base of Golden Gate Bridge, which was my goal for the day. Did you know the bridges official color is called international orange. I took a beautiful walk over the bridge then all the way back. I got to watch some surfers and dream about climbing to the top. Afterwards there were three long bus rides back to Fisherman’s Wharf, and when I arrived all tours for Alcatraz were sold out. So, I took the ferry back. I got a what in my mind was a good call from mom and made my way back to Niki’s. We ordered a ton of food from a Thai/Indian Restaurant and ate in to have a lazy girls night. We had some good chats, listened to Disney music, looked at pictures and went to bed.

4-25. Planning Day

I spent the morning talking to Kim, Mom and dad, planned some San Francisco stuff, and organized for my upcoming Indiana trip. I was then picked up and got to have lunch at a Mexican restaurant with Niki and Jen. The company and my burrito were both wonderful even though I wasn’t feeling myself. After lunch I had a nice walk to get some stamps. Who knew a book was so expensive. I tried to rest for a bit and when Niki got home she made a yummy healthy dinner. We all hung out for a bit watching hockey then called it a night.

I should have taken a picture of Niki while cooking and her yummy food. Oopsy. I have been slacking on pictures and that is not good.

4-24. Brisket Hash. Yummmm

Once we all woke up after having a slept in Niki made us an amazing Brisket Hash for breakfast. We then made our way to the Gloria Ferrer winery for some yummy champagne and spicy nuts. Our next stop was at the gorgeous Buena Vista winery for some wine tasting. It was so beautiful and the oldest in CA. We had some snacks and a sit at the Swiss Hotel. We tried to get some cheese at Vella for Jamal but they were closed for Easter Sunday. We all relaxed and I read a few books filled with useless facts, which I LOVED. We all went over to Jamal’s parents house for Easter at the Cooks. We had some yummy food, laughed a bit and around 10 called it a night.

2-23

I had some matzo ball soup for breakfast and got to chat with Niki. Scott and Maddie came from Sacramento to visit and it was so good to see them. We all headed to lunch at Red Grape and it was freaking delicious. We walked back to the house and stopped at a neat coffee place. I got a great hug from Maddie and said goodbye to Scott. We all hung around chatting and when Jamal went to bed Cole and I watched “Love Actually.” After the movie we realized it was a little rainy so we hung out in the living room until it was time for dinner. The three of us headed to Plaza Tequila for Mexican dinner. Afterwards we headed to Time Square where Jamal had to work and I wanted to experience. After an hour we walked around town on our way home and I met more of their friends. Once back at their place Niki and I and some time to talk one on one. It was very enlightening and I learned a lot.